Public Meetings - Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Passenger Vehicle for Hire Board convened on April 2, 2026. The board corrected the previous meeting's minutes to note the absence of Vice Chair Mary Westbrook, approved the minutes with corrections, and proceeded to reports on driver permits, taxi inspections, and rate updates. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments and discussion of ongoing litigation and regulatory issues involving Mercury Cab and Mercury Transportation. Consent Calendar - Minutes Correction & Approval: The board corrected the prior meeting's minutes to reflect that Vice Chair Mary Westbrook was absent. A motion to accept the corrected minutes was seconded and approved. - New Driver Permits & Renewals: The board approved new driver permits and renewals for Tony Hatton (Mercury Cab) and Anthony DuGard (AB Taxi) via a voice vote. - Updated Taxi Inspection: An updated taxi inspection and vehicle insurance report for Mercury Cab was presented. A motion to approve was seconded and passed by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Several board members and the public discussed the status of legal disputes between Mercury Cab (owned by Treacy and James) and Mercury Transportation (owned by Tony Boston). The board attorney clarified that a motion to dismiss Boston's lawsuit was based on the failure to appeal the renewal of Mercury Cab's certificate within the statutory 60-day window. Board member Mr. Easter questioned why regulatory infractions (e.g., alleged improper approval process, color scheme and name similarity, and harassment allegations) had been tabled indefinitely due to the pending litigation. He argued that the lawsuit, which centers on money owed, should not prevent the board from addressing regulatory matters. A motion was made to add the pending business back to the next meeting's agenda for discussion. - The board also heard from Inspector Mosier regarding Mercury Transportation's lack of a public hearing at the time of its approval (June 2024) and subsequent tabling of regulatory complaints. The inspector noted that the owner of Uptown Taxi is working on obtaining a proper city permit after confusion over requirements. Discussion Items - Tow Truck Rate Increase: The board confirmed that a tow truck rate increase approved by city council is now in effect. - Taxi Rate Increases: The board noted that taxi rate increases are still under review by city council, with no update provided. - Mercury Transportation Renewal & Compliance: The board debated whether Mercury Transportation has a pending renewal application and whether the company is operating legally. Inspector Mosier said he would need to review files to determine the status of its license and any pending application. The discussion touched on alleged violations of ordinance regarding business name and color scheme (both companies use "Mercury" and similar white/dark color schemes) and the lack of a public hearing before Mercury Transportation's approval. - Training for New Board Members: A motion was made and seconded to hold a training session after the next board meeting to clarify procedures and ordinances for new members. The board approved this motion by voice vote. A subsequent motion to keep the training private (closed to the public) was made but not voted on; the meeting moved to adjournment. Key Outcomes - Motion to Add Mercury Transportation to Next Meeting's Agenda: Passed by a roll call vote of 5–1 (Cynthia voted no). This will allow the board to discuss the company's pending renewal application and regulatory compliance issues. - Training Session Approved: The board voted unanimously to schedule a training session after the next board meeting. No decision was made on whether the session would be open or closed to the public. - Meeting Adjourned: A motion to adjourn was seconded and passed by voice vote.

The Chattanooga Beer Board convened on April 2, 2026, at 12:50 PM UTC. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, review of pre-approved permits, consideration of new applications (WY Sports Bar, Hatch Outfitters, Champions Chicken), and discussion of an executive order addressing permit renewal notification issues. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: Approved the minutes from the March 19, 2026, meeting by voice vote. - Pre-Approved Applications: Sergeant Cowan reported the following permits already approved: - Smart Music Project, Springtime in Chattanooga (TE 117, Robert Davis, 201 Riverfront Parkway, April 11, 10 AM–5 PM) - Friends of the Festival, Riverfront Nights Free Summer Music Series: multiple dates in May (23, 30), June (6, 13, 20, 27), July (4, 11, 18, 25), August (1, 8, 22, 29), and September (5) at 100 Riverfront Parkway (permits TE 120–123) - New Temporary Beer Permit: Reflection Writing (TE 118) was approved. Discussion Items - WY Sports Bar (William Cox) – Ownership Transfer: Mr. Cox appeared for a name change and ownership transfer at 1387 location. His FBI background check revealed a 2021 charge for possession of a gambling device, which he stated was dismissed in 2022; he provided dismissal paperwork. He stated hours are noon to 9 PM, no food service, only beer. Board members questioned BYOB (brown bagging) policy; it was clarified that a separate license is required for BYOB. The board approved the permit after roll-call vote (8–0). - Hatch Outfitters (Seth Fields) – New Application: Application for 3227 Branett Road. Missing FBI background check. Motion to defer to next meeting (April 16, 2026) passed by voice vote. - Champions Chicken (Chuck Lawson, attorney) – New Application for 6925 Lee Highway: The permit had lapsed at the beginning of 2026; self-reported on March 11, 2026, and all beer sales ceased. The applicant noted that the city’s renewal notification system had failed to send alerts. Chris Anderson from the mayor’s office presented Executive Order 2026-03, granting a 90-day grace period for businesses that held a valid permit as late as January 2024, allowing them to sell beer while their new application processes. The order is valid for 15 days (renewable) and requires no change in ownership, name, or location. Anderson stated the city is working on an ordinance to extend permit renewal intervals to 5–10 years to prevent future lapses. The board approved Champions Chicken’s application by roll-call vote (8–0). Key Outcomes - WY Sports Bar: Approved (8–0). Applicant instructed to obtain a separate BYOB license. - Hatch Outfitters: Deferred to April 16, 2026, meeting. - Champions Chicken: Approved (8–0) under the executive order grace period. - Executive Order 2026-03: Effective for 15 days (through approximately April 16, 2026), with possible extension. Provides 90-day window for compliant businesses to operate while new applications process. - Future Ordinance: Mayor’s office plans to present a city council ordinance to simplify renewal, reduce frequency, and improve notification (e.g., adding secondary contacts).

The Chattanooga City Council met on March 31, 2026, at 3:30 PM. The session included a presentation on updated historic preservation guidelines, discussion of a parking and booting ordinance, approval of routine consent items, and committee reports. The meeting recessed at approximately 4:45 PM and reconvened at 5:00 PM for the voting portion and adjournment. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: Motion to approve previous meeting minutes passed without objection. - Purchases: Five purchase recommendations were approved as a block: - Year three renewal with Vulcan Materials (annual limit $1,022,000; 4.2% increase). - New four-year agreement with SPX Flow Technologies for mixer gear reducer services (annual limit $150,000). - One-time purchase of a Peterbilt recycled truck for Solid Waste ($421,891). - One-time purchase of an International hook hoist truck for Street Maintenance ($259,999.97). - One-year extension with Pitney Bowes (annual limit $190,000). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the council; the public comment period was closed after no one lined up. Discussion Items - Historic Guidelines Update (Presentation by Cassie Klein, Preservation Planner): - Overview of historic designations (Local Historic Districts/Landmarks vs. National Register). The city has four local historic districts (Fortwood, St. Elmo, Fergor Place, Battery Place) and one local landmark (Frank Lloyd Wright Shaven House). - The updated guidelines consolidate five previous documents into one, reducing page count from over 350 to less than 200. - Key changes: new “how-to-use” guide with graphic, added architectural styles chapter (including mid-century modern), removal of painting regulations (except for unpainted masonry), new staff review for small outbuildings and additions (≤120 sq ft), and increased front yard fence height from 36 to 42 inches. - Unchanged elements: preservation best practices (window preservation, repair in kind), demolition criteria, and building maintenance guidance. - Council members questioned the process for designating new landmarks and the relationship between guidelines and underlying zoning. Cassie Klein clarified that city council can initiate a landmark designation via resolution, and property owners would have a public process to voice opposition. - Parking and Booting Ordinance (Items 7A, 8A): - Mayor Kelly spoke in favor of the parking ordinance, describing it as part of a larger strategy to make downtown parking affordable, convenient, and enforceable. He noted that only serial offenders (three or more delinquent citations) would be affected. - The council discussed an amendment requested by CARTA to clarify that the booting regulations apply to commercial lot owners who engage in booting, but not to those who do not. The amendment was made and the ordinance was approved as amended. - Two-Week Agenda Review: - Upcoming items include a resolution for park rental fee waiver for Nightfall and Three Sisters (math error noted but total correct). - Administration expanded purchase descriptions on captions for future agendas. - Committee Reports: - Councilwoman Dotley reported a budget work session on financial policies; those policies will be on the two-week agenda. - Councilman Elliott announced an Economic Development Committee meeting with an update on the bin project by Restorative Ventures. - Councilman Burrs announced a Planning and Zoning Committee meeting. - Tivoli Tour: Chairwoman Hill noted a tour of the Tivoli Theatre and expressed excitement about upcoming projects. Key Outcomes - Zoning Ordinance (Item 7A): Ordinance to rezone property at 3886 Agawella Drive from R-1 to R-3 (subject to conditions) passed unanimously. - Booting Ordinance (Item 8A): Ordinance to amend parking and booting regulations was approved as amended (motion to amend passed, then motion to approve as amended passed unanimously). - Resolution 9A (MOU with Stadium Corporation): Withdrawn by administration without objection. - Resolution 9B (Riverfront Parks Interlocal Agreement): Approved. - Resolution 9C (Revisions to Employee Information Guide): Approved. - Purchases: All five items approved. - Adjournment: Motion passed; meeting adjourned.

The Budget Working Group convened on March 31, 2026, to review financial policies, discuss fund balance targets, introduce a budget evaluation matrix, and examine peer city comparisons. The group also received updates on state legislation and planned next steps for budget preparation. Councillors Henderson, Hill, Harvey, Clark, and others participated, with some attending virtually. Financial Policies Review - Volatile Revenue Policy: Updated with an exhaustive list of revenue accounts that changed by 10% or more in any given year. Baselines will use a five-year historical average or the lowest in a two-section period, with flexibility for anomalies. Methodology will be internal with reporting if deviations occur. - One-Time Revenue Policy: Removed reference to 'routine maintenance' to clarify that one-time revenues should not fund recurring items like salaries and benefits. - Structurally Balanced Budget: No questions raised; policy advanced. - Fund Balance Stabilization Policy: Discussed limitations on investing in commodities (e.g., gold) due to state restrictions and logistical hurdles. \n\n- Fund Balance Target Range: The group reviewed the recommended 20% to 30% range for general fund reserves, derived from a GFOA analysis targeting 80-90% confidence in staying above the state's 17% benchmark. Councilman Henderson proposed a 24% floor for added cushion, but consensus settled on 20% as the minimum and 30% as the maximum to allow flexibility. Council members stressed that exceeding 30% should trigger consideration of tax relief or investments. Budget Evaluation Matrix - Chairwoman introduced a draft evaluation matrix to guide budget review, covering revenue stability, infrastructure maintenance, fund balances, capital projects, mandated programs, and alignment with strategic vision. She will distribute a long form, an abbreviated version, and an example using Public Works. Councilman Harvey requested inclusion of salary increases for sworn and non-sworn personnel; the chairwoman noted personnel costs are already part of the matrix but will review. Councilwoman Coonrod’s equity framework study was also suggested for incorporation. Peer Cities Analysis - Dr. Acuff presented an updated peer city analysis using a Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago tool, combined with geography, boundary stability (less than 5% change in 10 years), government finance data, and employment metrics. The top 10 peer cities identified include Columbus, GA (to be removed due to consolidated government), and others. Aspirational cities were identified by higher incomes, lower poverty, stronger labor markets, and higher educational attainment. \n- Discussion centered on using a single peer city list for budgetary purposes vs. separate lists for broader city functions. Council agreed to first focus on peer cities for budget benchmarking, with a longer-term goal of establishing comprehensive performance measures. Councilman Clark suggested surveying other city departments and external organizations to understand which cities they benchmark against. Councilman Harvey requested additional data on poverty, underemployment, and educational attainment. State Legislative Updates - Grocery Tax Reform: Two bills are effectively dead for the year. The 'healthy foods' tax change would have reduced city revenue by $5.9 million; full elimination would have cost $16.5 million.\n- Property Tax Cap: Bill pulled by sponsor, effectively dead. Dr. Acuff noted Chattanooga's pattern of large quadrennial property tax increases, suggesting a broader discussion on incremental adjustments. Key Outcomes - The four financial policies (volatile revenue, one-time revenue, structurally balanced budget, fund balance stabilization) will be placed on the council agenda for a single vote in approximately two weeks. - The chairwoman will circulate the budget evaluation matrix (long and short versions) by week's end for review. - Further work on peer cities will narrow the list to budget-relevant comparators, with additional socioeconomic metrics (poverty, underemployment, education) to be added. A city council shared drive for resources was suggested. - Development of a fiscal note process for council agenda items will continue. - Councilman Harvey is working on legislation for sworn salary increases, to be incorporated into the budget framework.

The Chattanooga City Council met on March 24, 2026, at 3:30 PM for a full agenda including a special presentation on a new parking compliance ordinance, multiple resolutions and first-reading items, an economic development committee update from the Chattanooga Tourism Company, and public comments. The council voted on several items, including the joint acquisition of the Boy Scout property and a rezoning with conditions for a 67-unit townhome development. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes from the previous week. - Approval of resolutions D through G (appointments to boards). - Approval of purchases: renewal of Southeastern Materials and Vulcan contracts, new painting services agreement, community health increase, fire hose sole source, and third-party injury-on-duty agreement. Public Comments & Testimony - Melissa Ray (Save Enterprise South Nature Park) urged the council to rezone the Boy Scout parcel as open space and follow RPA recommendations. - Diane Bryan (Rise and Thrive) requested resources for high-risk youth: housing, clothing, drug treatment, safe jobs, and transportation. - Jeff Suggs expressed concern about high parking costs in private lots deterring locals from downtown. - Avery Shadwick (CSLA student) advocated for establishing recycling programs in public schools to reduce waste and teach sustainability. Discussion Items - Special Presentation: Parking Compliance Ordinance (CARTA CEO Charles Frazier) – The proposed ordinance ("Consumer Protection and Parking Compliance") creates a licensing framework for private parking operators, caps fees, mandates self-releasing boots, establishes a 120-day amnesty period with hardship and food donation credit programs, and sets maximum rates (hourly ≤150% of on-street rate, daily max $18). Enforcement begins October 2026. Council members raised concerns about predatory practices, appeals process, and protections for chronic violators. Councilwoman Dotley and others expressed support. - Boy Scout Property Acquisition (Resolution B) – The council approved joint purchase (city & Hamilton County) of a 19.6-acre parcel adjacent to I-75 for $530,000 (city's half $265,000). Councilwoman Burris and others emphasized community desire for open space, though administration stated no current plans beyond holding the land. - Rezoning – Agawella Drive (Ordinance 8A) – Rezoning from R-1 to R-3 for 67 townhome units with conditions: maximum 4 attached units, 35-foot height limit, two street cuts, and a 7-foot privacy fence with 10-foot landscape buffer on the northern property line. Councilman Clark added the fence condition via amendment. Approved as amended. - Economic Development Committee – Chattanooga Tourism Company – Interim CEO Susan Harris reported 11.1 million visitors in 2024, $1.8 billion economic impact, and 30,000 hospitality jobs. Discussed marketing strategies, event recruitment (271 events in 2024, 300+ future bookings), and the impact of Hamilton County's decision to withdraw funding for sports tourism. Key Outcomes - Parking Ordinance – Scheduled for first reading in April; CARTA board to finalize licensing and community support program details. - Boy Scout Property Purchase – Approved (unanimous); will be jointly owned with Hamilton County. - Agawella Drive Rezoning – Approved as amended (motion to amend and final approval passed). - Resolutions A (I-24 flood wall license), C (health services renewal), H (park grant), I–L (public works contracts), M (reconnecting West Side design), N–O (animal control officer appointments) – All approved. - Purchases – All six purchases approved. - Future Considerations – Presentation on historic preservation guidelines scheduled for next week; council members requested materials in advance.

City Council members received a detailed briefing from Chris, a trustee of the Chattanooga Pension Fund, on the fund's history, financial status, challenges, and outlook. The discussion covered the fund's defined benefit structure, investment performance, funded ratio, actuarial assumptions, the impact of recent pay raises, and the feasibility of converting to a defined contribution plan. Discussion Items - Chris presented an overview: The Chattanooga Pension Fund was founded in 1949. It is a defined benefit pension for police and fire (sworn officers), distinct from the general city pension. The fund is overseen by a board including city council and mayoral appointees. The actuary and an investment consultant support the fund. The fund's assets are invested with a 65/35 stock/bond allocation, moving to more indexing and lower fees (now 0.5% all-in, down from 1%). - Funded status: As of the latest preliminary data (year-end 2025), the actuarial value of assets was $370 million, with total accrued liability of $622 million, resulting in an unfunded liability of $252 million and a funded ratio of approximately 59.5% (actuarial). Market value at year-end was $399 million, and as of March 2026 it is above $400 million, putting the funded ratio around 64% on a market basis. The goal is 80% funded, with a glide path to reach 70% by 2033 and 80% by 2039-2040 under current assumptions. - Historical performance: The fund lost 31% in 2008, which was worse than the average pension fund loss of 22%. Subsequent investment in hedge funds underperformed, and it took a decade to unwind. The fund also lost in 2022 (both stocks and bonds). However, recent returns have been strong: 14.9% gross in 2025, placing in the top 29% of public pension funds. Five-year average returns are near the median. - Impact of pay raises: Recent large pay raises (e.g., 18% increase) directly increase the accrued liability, worsening the funded ratio in the short term. For example, a firefighter retiring with a $45,000 annual pension (18-year life expectancy) has a liability of $460,000; an 18% raise increases that to $570,000. Despite this, the city's consistent contributions have kept the fund on track. The two recent raises delayed the glide path by only about one year due to better-than-expected market returns. - City contributions: The city contributes roughly 35% of payroll (total contribution $26 million annually in 2025). This consists of the normal cost (what would be needed if fully funded, about $10 million) plus an amortization payment toward the unfunded liability (about $19 million). The city has always made at least the minimum recommended contribution. For the upcoming budget, a placeholder increase of 6% is used, but the actual figure will come from the actuary in May or June 2026. - Conversion to a 401k: Council members asked about the feasibility of switching to a defined contribution plan. Chris explained that any transition would require making up the $252 million unfunded liability, plus compensating existing employees for their accrued benefits. This would be extremely costly and likely result in lower benefits for sworn officers. He emphasized the moral obligation to first responders, similar to veterans' benefits, given their shorter careers and higher disability risks. Other cities (e.g., Dallas, Chicago, Illinois) that underfunded pensions face severe crises. - Other reform options: Discussion of hybrids (e.g., adding 457 plans), capping pensionable pay (e.g., at captain rank), and restoring COLAs. Currently, COLAs are limited to a maximum of 3% but based on CPI; the fund pays 1.5% now, with restoration to full COLA at 80% funded. Some council members inquired about vesting: sworn officers vest after 10 years (general employees after 5 years). - The board has improved governance: Board member terms were extended to six years (staggered) to provide continuity. The board has productive discussions with the fire union regarding disability policies. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or resolutions were taken. The briefing was educational for the council, providing detailed understanding of the pension fund's finances and the importance of continued full funding. - Council members expressed support for the pension fund and the sworn officers, acknowledging the moral obligation and the need to maintain the defined benefit plan. - Chris committed to providing updated projections once the actuary completes the 2025 valuation (expected May/June 2026). The council will use that information for budget planning. - Council members highlighted the need to communicate to constituents that converting to a 401k would be costly and disadvantageous to first responders.

Meeting called to order at 12:58 PM. All attendees required to sign in per Sunshine Law. Electronic devices muted. Speakers sworn in before addressing the board. Consent Calendar - Temporary Event 112 – Food Truck Festivals of America LLC for "Chattanooga Food Truck and Craft Beverage Festival" at 150 River Street (Anthony Pepe) – approved by regulatory. - Beer 1390 – Change of ownership for Conga Restaurant LLC (d/b/a Conga Latin Food, owner Jibby Jimmy Obando) – approved by regulatory. - New Temporary Permit Applications (TE 119, 120, 121) – Friends of the Festival / Riverfront Night events – placed on hold per request of zoning and applicant pending final paperwork. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the designated time. Discussion Items - Delport LLC Violation (Continued) – Hearing Officer Bill Pemberton reported that new attorney Albert Henry was retained late Monday and requested an extension. The extension was granted, and an answer was filed the next day. The matter will be addressed at a future meeting. - YW & Y Sports Bar (Beer 1387) – Previously passed from last meeting. Discussion revealed that the item was already set for the April 2nd meeting per a motion at the prior meeting. After clarifying that the zoning issue was resolved (legal non-conforming status), the board voted to rescind a current motion to delay and confirmed the item will be heard on April 2nd. Vote to rescind: 8-0 (Christy, Brooke, Veronica, Gene, JW, Reginald, Betsy, Zach, Chair – all yes). - New Application – Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga (Beer 1393) – LBAM 3H LLC at 105 West Main Street. Representative Peter Rodriguez (General Manager) described the new construction hotel as the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Chattanooga and first full-service hotel on Main Street. All regulatory requirements were met. Application approved without further discussion. - Unpaid Fines (Hearing Officer Report) – Three establishments were cited for unpaid fines from February 19, 2026 hearing: North Shore (103 Cherokee Blvd, Unit 105), Maxaville Mexican Restaurant (809 Market St), and Chi Chi's Charred Chicken LLC (811 Market St). Board discussion: Sergeant Cowan reported officers had visited and found no issues. Distributor Eddie (sworn in) stated Mexival has not ordered beer in over a month, and Cabana's (related) ordered non-alcoholic beer. Legal noted that if beer is being sold without a permit, a citation would go to city court; the board could also consider permit revocation. No action taken on fines at this meeting. Key Outcomes - YW & Y Sports Bar – Will be heard at the next meeting on April 2, 2026. - Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga – Beer permit approved. - Delport LLC Violation – Continued to a future date. - Unpaid fines – No immediate enforcement; board alerted to legal options for future non-compliance. - Meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

The City Council met on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 7:29 PM UTC to discuss and vote on ordinances, resolutions, purchases, and committee reports. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to the Parks and Public Works committee, which featured presentations on the National Park City Seeds Initiative, the Coolidge Park Blue Way access, and the Brainerd Levy improvements. The council also addressed public comments and conducted votes on several agenda items. Consent Calendar - Ordinances under final reading (Items A–H) were taken as a package and approved, except Item A was later reconsidered and denied. Items not pulled were approved unanimously. - Resolutions Items B and C (office lease and option to renew with Chattanooga Housing Authority) were approved as a package. - Purchases (fleet renewal, public works renewal, wastewater additional repair) were approved as a package. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Smith (1308 Hicks and Pike) expressed appreciation for the city's planned traffic interventions on Hicks and Pike but urged extending the proposed one-lane northbound restriction to slow speeding (60–70 mph observed). He requested support for state speed cameras and noted 100% neighborhood agreement from a recent survey. - Shirley Moon (District 8) played a voicemail from a police officer returning her call about a persistent neighborhood issue but stated she has been unable to reconnect. Councilman Elliott and the police chief agreed to stay behind to assist her. Discussion Items - National Park City Seeds Initiative – Brian Smith (Interim Administrator, Parks and Outdoors) and Chris Wilson (Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga) presented year-two plans to transition from a city-led to a community-led movement. A "seed drive" (npcseeds.org) aims to collect 100 actionable ideas (seeds) and plant 10 in 2026, with focus on collaboration, pilot projects, and nature as a shared asset. David Little John (via remote) emphasized quality-of-life and economic prosperity. - Coolidge Park Blue Way Access – Monica Kinsey (Economic Development) and Mia Rourke (Tennessee Riverline) presented a 675-foot multi-use floating dock with ADA kayak launches, rowing sections, fishing pier, and six boat slips. The project is driven by the planned 18-month closure of the South Shore Riverfront (starting November 2026) for renovations, and aims to retain $20 million in event economic impact. The dock would also support Audubon Society access to McClellan Island. - Brainerd Levy Improvements – Chip-and-seal resurfacing of 3.2 miles of the levy trail (10 ft wide) from Shallifer Road to near Camp Jordan, plus a connector from Ramsey Center. Includes wayfinding signage, accessible routes, and parking. Total city match of $494,847 (corrected from $594,000). Construction expected to begin late summer/fall 2026 and complete by summer/fall 2027 pending grant awards. - First Reading Ordinance Deferral – Councilman Burrs stated he would deny Item C (rezoning at 5813 Lee Highway) because the applicant has been offered an alternative special exception solution, deferring action. Key Outcomes - Ordinances Final Reading: Items A–H approved as a package. Later, Item A (closing a right-of-way) was reconsidered and denied (Vice Chair Noel motioned, citing need for access from both north and south ends). All other final reading ordinances passed. - First Reading Ordinance (Item C, 5813 Lee Highway): Deferred (motion to deny noted). - Resolutions: - Item A (Catherine Peary appointment to Head Start Governing Board) approved. - Items B and C (lease and renewal) approved as package. - Item D (naloxone box pilot at Miller Park) approved. - Item E (contaminated soil disposal for Alton Park Connector, up to $250,000) approved. - Item F (special exception permit for liquor store at 2220 Hamilton Place Blvd) approved (7 yes, 1 no, 1 abstain). - Purchases: Three renewal/repair purchases approved (fleet: $250,000; public works: $543,000; wastewater: $395,000). A sole source purchase for police forensics software ($37,370) reported. - Sole Source Purchase: Technology Services license for GrayKey mobile forensic tool to stop iPhone 72-hour timer, avoiding travel to TBI. - Committee Reports: - Parks and Public Works committee meeting held (see Discussion Items). - Education and Innovation committee meeting on 311 rescheduled to a work group. - Economic Development committee meeting (April 7) will hear Urban History update on the Bent. - Other Business: Certificates of compliance issued for Total Wine & More (Hamilton Place) and Speedway (Bonnie Oaks). Donation of $500 from St. Elmo Community Association to fire department for workout equipment. - Next Steps: Public input sessions for dock/levy projects on March 25 (Grimes Center, 5 PM) and March 26 (Ramsey Center, 6 PM). Council will receive more details on blueprint program outcomes from Associated General Contractors.

The Chattanooga City Council met on March 17, 2026, to discuss a wide range of topics including strengthening special exceptions permits for liquor stores, council voting requirements, a potential HR committee, public comment procedures, a council policy position, and ethics complaint rules. Key decisions included moving forward with drafting an ordinance for liquor store regulations and tabling the HR committee. Consent Calendar - The council approved the minutes from the March 3, 2026 meeting without objection via a motion and second. Discussion Items - Liquor Store Special Exceptions & Spacing Requirements: City staff member Phil presented options for strengthening liquor store regulations. Discussion focused on spacing distances (currently 200 feet, with options to revert to 500 feet or increase to 1,000 feet), per capita caps (one per 3,000 people, currently 42 stores, cap at 60), and incorporating crime data within a half-mile radius. Council members debated including offense types and ensuring standards are objective to avoid legal challenges. Councilwoman Dotley emphasized using specific thresholds like average crime rates. Council agreed to send individual feedback to Phil by March 31, with a draft ordinance expected by mid-April. The council also expressed interest in later applying similar rules to vape and smoke shops. - Five-Vote Requirement: Council discussed Phil's recommendation that five votes be required for any council action. Members considered scenarios of extended absences and potential emergency provisions. Councilman Elliott raised concerns about a quorum without five votes halting business. The council agreed to explore adding emergency language referencing the mayor's powers, but no final decision was made. - HR Committee: Councilman Clark proposed resurrecting an HR committee to handle employee complaints. Councilman Harvey and others argued HR is an executive function and that existing appeal processes (administrative law judges) suffice. Councilwoman Dotley clarified that council only handles termination appeals. The council voted to table the idea for now. - Public Comment Procedure: Councilwoman Burris suggested a voluntary sign-in sheet to acknowledge large groups. Vice Chairwoman Noah and Councilman Elliott recommended keeping it at the chair's discretion. Council agreed to improve communication by having the chair announce procedures at the start of meetings, but no rule changes were adopted. - Council Policy Position (Councilman Elliott): Elliott announced he would compile final feedback on a proposed council policy position resolution, seeking responses by March 18, with a vote anticipated in two weeks. - Council Rules / Code of Ethics: Councilwoman Dotley presented a draft process for ethics complaints against council members, based on the city charter. The process includes an initial review by the chief ethics officer, a public council vote on merit, and potential investigation. Councilman Harvey asked about penalties (public censure, possible ouster by courts). The council agreed to add the process to the council rules for transparency. - America's 250th Celebration: Councilman Henderson announced a committee preparing liberty bills and requested displaying a replica on the council yard, which received no objections. Key Outcomes - Liquor Store Regulations: Council directed staff to draft an ordinance amending spacing and crime-related requirements, with feedback due March 31 and draft by mid-April. Vape shop regulations to follow separately. - HR Committee: Tabled with no further action. - Public Comment Procedure: No formal changes; chair will proactively communicate process to large groups. - Council Policy Position: Councilman Elliott to produce a final resolution for a vote within two weeks. - Ethics Complaint Rules: Councilwoman Dotley to refine the draft and add initial review committee details for inclusion in council rules. - America's 250th: Display of liberty bill replica approved.